If you catch herpes - genital or oral, do you def get an outbreak?!
Question: I just found out from my gynecologist that I have HSV-1. My past gynecologists never tested me for herpes (though I always asked for full STD testing), so I don't know how long I have had it. Maybe I caught it last year, or maybe I've had it all my life! As far as I know, I have never had an outbreak around my mouth or down there.. wouldn't I know if I did?? I am pretty sensitive to aches and pains, and if I had any weird bumps, I think I would notice! For instance, I always get real paranoid about my canker sores (I get them regularly) and read & reread about them online to confirm that they are not herpes cold sores. Anyway I'm kind of shocked but at the same time, not freaking out because I've never had symptoms and I've been with the same guy for a year and half, so I must have had it at least as long as that. Is it possible to get herpes and never have an outbreak? If it's not possible, I'm guessing I got it as a kid and don't remember the outbreak.
Answers: I just found out from my gynecologist that I have HSV-1. My past gynecologists never tested me for herpes (though I always asked for full STD testing), so I don't know how long I have had it. Maybe I caught it last year, or maybe I've had it all my life! As far as I know, I have never had an outbreak around my mouth or down there.. wouldn't I know if I did?? I am pretty sensitive to aches and pains, and if I had any weird bumps, I think I would notice! For instance, I always get real paranoid about my canker sores (I get them regularly) and read & reread about them online to confirm that they are not herpes cold sores. Anyway I'm kind of shocked but at the same time, not freaking out because I've never had symptoms and I've been with the same guy for a year and half, so I must have had it at least as long as that. Is it possible to get herpes and never have an outbreak? If it's not possible, I'm guessing I got it as a kid and don't remember the outbreak.
Actually, 80% of people with herpes do not have any symptoms... or have such mild symptoms they do not recognise or notice them. 20% of people with herpes have no symptoms at all.
Hsv-1 is usually oral herpes, and as such is usually caught as a baby or small child from a kiss from a relative or another child. By the time you are old enough to remember, your body has learnt to deal with the virus so well that it never surfaces and you never get outbreaks. 80% of people have oral hsv-1, but only a small percentage of them have any symptoms or outbreaks by adulthood, like you.
Just remember that even without symptoms, there is a chance you could infect someone else, for example by giving them oral sex.
yes
It can take years until you finally get an outbreak.
Oh boy...Where to start. "Cold sores" are HSV-1.... fairly innocuous.... contagious to any part of the body.. which is why dentists/hygienists now wear gloves. They're a literal "pain" but won't cause cancer.... As with any of the over 100 herpes viruses you can pass the virus to your partner even if you do not have an outbreak. My doctor said that most people are exposed to various herpes viruses and have them in their systems and have no problems. Certainly you don't want to risk cervical cancer etc..... so talk w/ your gyn... and read read read. It is possible that you've had it for years and it has just now gone "active." You could also have "bumps" internally and not know it. Some people have outbreaks when they're under stress... Others have outbreaks when they are tired or ill.... or their immunity is "down" for some reason. Keep track of any outbreaks you have and write down what's going on in your life. That way if you have outbreaks you can figure out what is Again, talk with your gyn and primary care doctors until you have the answers you need and are not "worried." There are far worse viruses you could have.
You may or may not have an outbreak from Herpes, either oral or genital...it may take up to months or years to cause symptoms. Chancroid on the other hand are caused by the Hemophilus bacteria and usually within 5-7 days a pimple/chancre appears. If you are still unsure of your status, get rechecked at a county health clinic (which is also confidential) and they will ease your concern regarding this issue. Hope this helps...! Good Luck :O)